Applicator for artificial eyelashes



p 7- F. B. PHILLIPS, SR 2,094,409

APPLICATOR FOR ARTIFICIAL EYELASHES Filed May 21, 1935 IN VEN TOR yestus J3. l fiz'llzjas, Sr:

B Y I %70RNE Y,

Patented Sept. 28, 1937 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

14 Claims.

My invention relates to an applicator for use in holding artificial eyelashes during application thereof, as well as to an applicator and artificial eyelash former, and an object of my invention is to provide a novel device of this character which will facilitate the application of artificial eyelashes to the human eyelid and greatly relieves the heretofore tedious fitting of artificial eyelashes.

An object is to provide a novel applicator of the above character which arranges and holds the artificial eyelash in the proper shape conforming to the eyelid and enables the attaching margin of the artificial eyelash to be applied evenly and inconspicuously.

An object is to provide a novel device of this character which may be used with safety and which minimizes the danger of injuring the eye lid or eyeball or causing the artificial eyelash or the adhesive used to secure it from coming in contact with the eyeball.

Another object is to provide a novel applicator for artificial eyelashes which serves also as a means for easily and quickly measuring the length of the natural eyelash so that theartificial eyelash may be cut to the desired length before applying the same. I

Another object is to provide a novel applicator which incorporates a novel forming device for aiding in pressing or curlingthe artificial eyelash preparatory to applying .it.

Another object is to provide a novel applicator of the above character which may be used to apply mascara or dye to the natural eyelash or to serve as a guide for marking or lining the natural eyelid.

Heretofore in the art of make-up of actresses and individuals either in the moving picture studios, on the stage, or in ordinary life, it has been found desirable to add artificial eyelashes and lining to the natural eyelid toaccentuate the eyelash and eyelid and the addition of additional (or artificial) eyelashes to the natural eyelashes has encountered considerable difficulties in that the artificial eyelash could not be properly held during application and had to be applied by forcing the base or selvedge edge of the artificial eyelash with an adhesive applied thereto against an eyelid with a stick and that resulted inconsiderable fiinching of the eye and was a tedious operation that consumed considerable time before being successfully completed; and an object of my invention is to overcome such difliculties and enable a person not necessarily skilled in the application of artificial eyelashes to apply the same in a simple, expeditious and effective manner, as well as to provide a novel device that may be used in lining the natural eyelid and providing means for forming or curling the hairs thereof as well as applying mascara to the natural eyelashes, and artificial eyelashes either before or after association with the natural eyelashes.

Other objects, advantages and features of invention may appear I from the accompanying drawing, the subjoined detail description and the appended claims. V

The accompanying drawing illustrates the invention in some of the forms I-at present deem preferable.

Figure 1 is an enlarged plan view of my novel eyelash applicator and former.

Fig. 2 is a longitudinal sectional view thereof taken through 2--2, Fig. 1, and showing the applicator in its normal or clamping position, but without having an artificial eyelash associated therewith.

Fig. 3 is a side or edge elevational view thereof, and showing in dot and dash lines an open position thereof.

Fig. 4 is a front view thereof. 7 I; I

Fig. 5 is a further enlarged fragmentary sec-. tional view analogous to Fig. 2, as taken on line 2-2, Fig. 1, but showing an artificial eyelash in position with a pressing or forming clip applied and associated therewith.

Fig. 6 is a perspective view of an artificial eyelash such as is applied to the human eyelid with my applicator.

Fig. '7 is a plan view of a modified form of my artificial eyelash applicator.

Fig. 8 is a side or edge elevational view of .the applicator shown in Fig. '7.

Fig. 9 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional View taken on line 99, Fig. 7; and showing by heavy dotted lines the transverse position assume-d by an artificial eyelash clamped therein.

An artificial eyelash such as used with my applicator usually comprises a selvedge edge or thin band I to which are tied or otherwise secured a plurality of hairs 2 simulating the natural eyelash hairs; My applicator is in the form of a clamp which securely holds the artificial eyelash without distorting its shape for application to the eyelid and with the selvedge edge I exposed to receive an alcohol soluble adhesive, which is preferably an adhesive that is not soluble'in water.

In the structure shown in Figs. 1 through 5, a pair of coacting clamp members 3 and 4 are provided which are relatively fiat and broad at one end. The clamp members are provided with concave or arcuate eyelid conforming edges 5. At the other end of the clamp members 3, 4, handle portions 1, 8 are respectively formed or provided.

Between the handle portions 1 and 8 and the arcuate or concave edges or margins 5, 5 each clamp member is bent slightly outwardly from the other as indicated at 9. The clamp members are pivotally connected together in any suitable manner as by the coacting lug and pin means ii! that extend from opposite edges of the handle portions and such pivoted connections form a hinge for permitting clamping movement of the clamp members. I I which may be positioned between the extremities of the handle portions are provided and such means urge the margins 5 into contact with each other.

The marginal portions 5 are reduced toward their edges to form a feather edge which may be a relatively sharp but a non-cutting edge. upper clamp member 3 is provided with a large arcuate slot l2 which conforms to the marginal portion 5 so that said marginal portion is in the form of a narrow strip. The lower clamp member 4 is provided with an arcuate rib'or projection I3 which is adapted to extend upwardly through the slot l2 in conformity therewith; that is, its forward side I4 facing the margins 5 and 5 is concaved both horizontally as well as vertically and approximates the desired form of the artificial eyelash. The distance from the crest of the rib I3 down its forward side and to the extremities of the marginal portions 5 are approximately or slightly greater than the length of the hairs 2 of the artificial eyelash. The eyelash is adapted to be positioned between the marginal portions 5 of the members 3, 4, with its selvedge i protruding. The hairs 2 can then be properly arranged against the forward side l4'of the rib l3.

Sometimes the artificial eyelashes become out of curl or out of shape through handling or other instrumentalities, or when initially made up they are usually straight. If this be the case they can be made into or returned to their proper shape, as the case may be, before being applied; this may be accomplished by securing the lashes between the clamp members, and after properly arranging the hairs in the proper spaced relation, a clip |5is fitted over the margins 5 and against the forward side of the rib I3. Said clip I 5 is formed of spring material and is bent upon itself intermediate its ends as at 6 so as to fit around and over the margins 5 and form upper and lower spring clamp elements l6 and I! which hold the marginal portions 5 against each other as shown in Fig. 5. The upper spring clamp element I! is provided with an upturned hair pressing portion 18 which conforms to the forward side 14 of the rib l3 to hold and press the strands of hair forming the eyelash into place. While so held the hairs may be steamed or otherwise treated to cause them to retain their form.

In applying an artificial eyelash to the eyelid, the eyelash is placed between the clamp members 3 and 4 so that the selvedge thereof protrudes from the arcuate edges 5 and then the selvedge l is coated with a suitable non-water but alcohol soluble adhesive. The applicator and lash therein is then carefully placed immediately above the natural eyelash and the selvedge I brought into contact along its entire length with the eyelid immediately above the'roots of the natural eyelash and the adhesive brought into contact with the flesh. The excess 'or slack skin, if any, of the eyelid may be folded over the top of the selvedge Means in the form of a spring The While the applicator and artificial eyelash are held in position. The artificial and natural eyelashes are then combed so that they intermingle.

In order to insure proper length and arrangement of the artificial eyelash, the extremities of the upper marginal portion 5 are provided with scale markings 19 as shown in Fig. 1. The scale markings I9 are first used to'measure the length of the natural eyelash in order that the artificial one may be cut to the same length. These markings are next used to position the artificial eyelash properly in the applicator so that when the applicator with the eyelash therein is placed in position to attach the artificial eyelash to the eye the artificial eyelash will be properly positioned to correspond to the natural eyelash.

In Figs. '7, 8, and 9 is illustrated a modified form of my artificial eyelash applicator, the structure there illustrated also comprises two clamp members, here designated 2| and 22, which are provided with'complementary hinge elements 23 at their sides, connected by a hinge pin 24 around which is Wrapped a spring 25. Said spring tends to hold the forward edges 25 and 2? of the clamp in contact with. each other.

It will be understood that the type 'of spring H shown in Figs. 1, 2 and 3 may be used instead of the type of spring 25, or in Figs. 1, 2 and 3 I may use the type of spring 25 shown in Figs. 7-9. Said forward edges or margins are concave as at 5 in the same manner as in the first structure so that such concave edge will fit the curvature of the eyelid. However the upper or outer'surface of the clamp member 2! is recessed as at El so that its forward surface is in the form of an arcuate downwardly an'd forwardly sloping lip or surface 2l as shown best in Fig. 9. The under or inner side 23 of this lip or margin conforms to the usual curve of the hair 2 as indicated by dotted lines a in Fig. 9.

At their ends. opposite from the margins 26 and 21 the clamp members 2| and 22 are'suitably shaped to form handle portions30 and 31 which, when pressed together open the margins 26 and 21. As in the firstdescribed structure, the margins 26 and'Zl may be provided with scale markings I9.

* Operation of the modified form of my applicator is essentially the same as the first structure, in that the selvedge l of the artificial eyelash is positioned so that it protrudes and may be coated with adhesive and applied.

Either construction of applicator may be used as a guide, when placed against the eyelid without the artificial eyelash therein, for the'purpose of marking or lining the eyelid with an eye pencil or the like.

Also either of the applicators may be used in conjunction with the natural eyelash for the purpose of applying mascara. Injsuch case the contacting parts of the margins 5 or 26 and 21 are preferably provided on at least one of such contacting surfaces with a narrow piece of felt or the like '(not shown) and such felt or one or 'bothof the marginal edges of the margins 5 or 25, 2! is coated with mascara and the natural more or less feather edges and arranged to clamp an artificial eyelash therebetween in position for application to an eyelid, the edges of said clamping portions substantially coinciding with each other.

2. In an artificial eyelash applicator; a pair of clamp elements having complementary artificial clamping eyelid portions provided with more or less feather edges and arranged to clamp an artificial eyelash therebetween in position for application to an eyelid; the edges of said clamping portions substantially coinciding with each other said portions having concave margins to substantially conform to the curvature of the natural eyelid.

3. In an artificial eyelash applicator; a pair of clamp elements having complementary eyelid clamping portions arranged to clamp an artificial eyelash therebetween in position for application to an eyelid; and an artificial eyelash hair retainer means associated with said eyelid conforming 1 portions and adapted to receive the hairs of said artificial eyelash.

4. In an artificial eyelash applicator; a pair of clamp elements having complementary eyelid conforming portions arranged to clamp an artificial eyelashtherebetween in position for application to an eyelid; the edges of said clamping portions substantially coinciding with each other and eyelash measuring means associated with one of the eyelid conforming portions.

5. In an applicator for artificial eyelashes provided with a securing web or selvedge and eyelash representing hairs curving therefrom; a pair of coacting clamp elements, one of which is provided with a recess through which the hairs of the artificial eyelash may protrude without substantial distortion, whereby said clamp element may clamp said hairs adjacent said selvedge so that the selvedge may protrude from the clamp elements for receiving adhesive and for application to the eyelid.

6. In an applicator for artificial eyelashes provided with a securing web or selvedge and eyelash representing hairs curving therefrom; a pair of coacting clamp elements, one of which is provided with a recess through which the hairs of the artificial eyelash may protrude without substantial distortion, whereby said clamp element may clamp said hairs adjacent said selvedge so that the selvedge may protrude from the clamp elements for receiving adhesive and for application to the eyelid; the extremities of said clamp elements conforming substantially to the curvature of the eyelid.

7. In an applicator for artificial eyelashes provided with a securing web or selvedge and eyelash representing hairs curving therefrom; a pair of coacting clamp elements, one of which is provided with a recess through which the hairs of the artificial eyelash may protrude without substantial distortion, whereby said clamp element may clamp said hairs adjacent said selvedge so that the selvedge may protrude from the clamp elements for receiving adhesive and for application to the eyelid; the extremities of said clamp elements conforming substantially to the curvature of the eyelid, whereby the selvedge of the artificial eyelash likewise conforms thereto; an eyelash measuring means incorporated along one of said clamp elements.

8. In an artificial eyelash applicator; a pair of complementary clamp members hinged together intermediate their ends, handle means formed by one pair of said extended ends and eyelash clamping elements formed at the other pair of said extended ends, said clamping elements being beveled to a substantially feather edge and defining an eyelid conforming edge, and adapted to receive therebetween an artificial eyelash, the edges of said clamping portions substantially coinciding with each other.

9. In an artificial eyelash applicator; a pair of complementary clamp members hinged together at their intermediate portions, handle means formed by one pair of said extended ends and eyelash clamping elements formed at the other pair of said extended ends, said clamping elements being beveled and defining an eyelid conforming edge, and adapted to receive therebetween an artificial eyelash; one of said clamp members being slotted in conformity with its clamping element, and an eyelash forming rib extending upwardly through said slot from the other clamp member and having a forming surface confronting and continuing from said clamping elements.

10. In an artificial eyelash applicator; a pair of complementary clamp members hinged together at their intermediate portions, handle means formed by one pair of said extended ends and eyelash clamping elements formed at the other pair of said extended ends, said clamping elements being beveled and defining an eyelid conforming edge, and adapted to receive therebetween an artificial eyelash; one of said clamp members being slotted in conformity with its clamping element, and an eyelash forming rib extending upwardly through said slot from the other clamp member and having a forming surface confronting and continuing from said clamping elements; and a forming clip arranged to fit over said clamping elements and bear against the forming surface of said rib.

11. In an applicator for artificial eyelashes provided with securing webs or selvedges and eyelash representing hairs curving therefrom; clamp elements arranged to grip the eyelash hairs adjacent the selvedge; forming means for the extended portions of the hairs including a forming surface continuing from one of said clamp elements, and. a device including a confronting portion arranged to press against said forming surface.

12. In an artificial eyelash applicator; a pair of clamping members; hinge means connecting'the clamping members, said clamping members having clamping portions terminating in eyelid conforming edges, one of said clamping members curving upwardly and away from its clamping member to permit an eyelash, while clamped to occupy its normal shape.

13. In an artificial eyelash applicator; a pair of clamp elements having complementary artificial eyelid clamping portions beveled to a sub stantially feather edge and arranged to clamp an artificial eyelash therebetween in position for application to an eyelid; one of said clamp elements being provided with a recess through which the hairs of the artificial eyelash may extend.

14. In an artificial eyelash applicator; a pair of clamp elements having complementary artificial eyelid clamping portions beveled to a substantially feather edge and arranged to clamp an artificial eyelash therebetween in position for application to an eyelid; one of said clamp elements being provided with a recess through which the hairs of the artificial eyelash may extend; and eyelash measuring means associated with one of said clamp elements adjacent said feather edge. FESTUS B. PHILLIPS, SR. 

